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The most important player to every AFC teams’ playoff hopes

By Joel Deering

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 16: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates his second half touchdown against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 16, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 16: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates his second half touchdown against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 16, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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AFC teams' playoff hopes - Andrew Luck
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 09: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass under pressure by Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Indianapolis Colts (8-6)

Most important player: QB Andrew Luck

The 2018-19 NFL season has been Andrew Lucks’ best yet. To this point in the season, Luck has a career high in completion percentage (67.3%) and passer rating (98.4). His 34 TD passes this year are the second most of his career. Luck has been outstanding this season, which is why he’s the most important player to this AFC teams’ playoff hopes.

After starting the season 1-5, Luck has been able to bring the Colts to an 8-6 record. They’re just behind the Ravens for the final Wild Card spot. Luck has also helped the Colts end winning streaks by the Texans and Cowboys. Without Luck, the Colts wouldn’t have had a chance in most games they’ve played this year.

Unlike Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger, Luck is the type of QB who can beat a team by throwing the ball a lot. He hasn’t always had production from his RBs, so he’s been forced to win with his arm. The Colts will get some production from their RBs from time to time, but not consistently enough.

Regardless of if his RBs are running the ball well or not, Luck can still perform well. You saw what the Colts were last season without Luck. Now look at the difference this year. Luck is one of the best QBs in the league, and it’s because of him the Colts have a chance to make the playoffs.

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